News

17 November 2023

KZN Premier attributes employment increase to concerted efforts

Location: News

KZN Premier attributes employment increase to concerted efforts

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has attributed the marked increase in employment figures and the fall of the unemployment rate in the province to government’s targeted interventions, practical programmes and meaningful collaboration.

This follows Statistics South Africa’s (StatsSA) latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data, which showed a significant improvement in employment numbers in the province.

According to the QLFS findings for the third quarter, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the largest employment increase, while the unemployment rate has fallen by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2023.

According to the survey, the number of employed persons increased in eight provinces between quarter two and three in 2023. Large employment increases were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (up by 152 000), Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga.

Dube-Ncube said the data provides valuable insights into the current state of the labour market in the country, and is a welcome development on Quarter 2 of 2023 in which the province also recorded growth.

“This is good news and the fruit of efforts of the entire provincial government working with business and other social partners to address unemployment. We remain committed to working together with labour, business and the local and international investment community to drive economic growth which is necessary to address unemployment and poverty,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube pointed to the S’thesha Waya-Waya stimulus initiative as just one of the programmes rolled out to create jobs through various entities of the state.

She said youth unemployment continues to be a concern, and the province will continue to address this issue, through targeted programs and policies that empower young people with skills and opportunities needed to enter the workforce.

“This includes the disbursement of the Youth Empowerment Fund through which we allocate R90 million to youth-owned entities. Another R100 million window of this fund will open soon to benefit more youth-owned entities.

“We recently launched our Planting Season and through Operation Vula, we are opening economic opportunities to youth, women, military veterans and those with disabilities to take part in the economy.”

The Premier also highlighted that through public private partnerships, the provincial government has been able to create opportunities in various sectors, including maritime and aviation sectors.

“Further, our drive is to penetrate the digital economy through the Broadband Rollout in the province. The 4IR Commission is fast tracking the Provincial Connected Smart Province plan which aims to create more jobs for young people in the digital space.

“We see the Quarterly Labour Survey as a reliable indicator to understand the dynamics of the labour market. We will continue to engage with StatsSA, labour, business and stakeholders especially the private sector to continue to contribute to initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects for all South Africans,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 11:01

425 views

17 November 2023

Policing strategies guide to reduced crime: Cele

Location: News

Policing strategies lead to reduced crime: Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele says the combination of operational policing strategies and interventions has attributed to the decline in crime statistics recorded in the country.

Cele made the remarks at the release of the Crime Stats Quarter 2 of 2023/2024, which showed that South Africa has, for the second consecutive quarter, seen a decrease in the murder rate, with a 3.1% decline recorded between May and July, and a 0.8% drop in the number of people killed between July and September 2023.

The report also noted a decrease in crimes that instill fear amongst people in the country, including trio crimes (hijackings, business and property robberies).

Cele said the drop in the murder rate is reflective of the SAPS’s continued efforts to combat crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement.

“Over and above ongoing policing operations, we know this administration has gone to lengths in capacitating critical units of the police service in order to keep communities safer. This includes the overhauling and strengthening of the management of the Crime Intelligence division, drastically improving the crime detection capabilities of the police.

“Crime Intelligence capacity has also been strengthened at the top 30 crime heavy police stations. The Intelligence officers have also been supplied with adequate resources, including vehicles and other tools of trade to gather intelligence,” Cele said.

The Minister said the South African Police Service (SAPS) units responsible for the investigation of organised crimes have also been bolstered at both provincial and national levels to infiltrate criminal syndicates.

"The recruitment drive of thousands more police officers under Project 10 000 to boost police numbers at stations in all provinces continues to gain momentum. The decrease in murder figures shows that the targeting of crimes in hotspots must be maintained and further strengthened,” Cele said.

Cele noted that through the intensified national policing approach to prevent and combat crime during the high-density Operation Shanela, the department is starting to break even and seeing decreases in certain crime categories.

According to the statistics, Operation Shanela, which is in its sixth month running has resulted in the arrest of over 226 000 suspects, including some of the most wanted and dangerous criminals.

Cele said the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects has also been prioritised in conjunction with everyday policing at station level.

Despite the overall drop in the country’s murder rate, the report showed that between July and September this year, 6 945 people were murdered in South Africa, including 881 women and 293 children.

Thirty-five police officers were also killed on and off duty in the same period, as well as 19 law enforcement officers attached to national, provincial and local government, and private security.

Cele said the majority of people killed in South Africa are murdered during arguments, misunderstandings and provocations that usually take place at social settings.

“Arguments, vigilantism and robbery remain the top three causative factors for murder in the majority of the provinces. Firearms, knives and sharp instruments are likely to be used as murder weapons.

“Firearms alone claimed the lives of 3 106 victims. Police have, between July to September 2023, removed 2 175 firearms off the streets through police operations,” Cele said.

Cele said these statistics give police a sober analysis of the effectiveness of policing efforts to keep South Africans and their properties safe.

“These numbers are also used to redirect resources to where they are needed most in order to better respond to the common enemy of crime. This redirection of resources is clearly demonstrated through the decline in certain crime categories in the top four crime heavy provinces, namely KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

“These provinces have collectively reduced many of their contact crimes, including trio crimes, robberies, sexual assault and assault during this reporting period. What is clear and should never be ignored is that the crime figures should and must serve as a call of action for government, business, NGOs, civil society and communities to come on board in the fight against crime,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 13:45

376 views

17 November 2023

Hundreds homeless after shack flame rips through Durban settlement

Location: News

MEC for Human Settlements promises to fast-track assistance

17 November 2023

Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Location: News

Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the scourge of child labour, and recognise the collective duty to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in agriculture.

“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts,” the Minister said.

Nxesi was delivering the keynote address at the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa launch event in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a European Union-funded child labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.

To tackle this grave issue, Nxesi said the world must first understand its root causes. He cited poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness about child rights as creating an environment where child labour thrives.

Nxesi said the Durban Call to Action adopted at the 5th Global Conference last year in Durban, resonates with this approach, in that it commits different role players to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate child labour.

“Education lies at the heart of this endeavour. We must invest in educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to quality education, we empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

Simultaneously, the Minister said enforcing existing laws and regulations is paramount. He said that stringent penalties for those exploiting children for labour, coupled with rigorous monitoring mechanisms, will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Moreover, he said, support systems must be put in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been rescued from child labour situations, ensuring they receive the care, counselling, and education necessary for their holistic rehabilitation and development.

“Additionally, we must raise awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the detrimental effects of child labour, and the legal consequences associated with it, can act as a powerful deterrent.

“What remains constant in all these endeavours is that collaboration between government, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society, and international agencies is crucial for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions,” he said.

Nxesi told delegates at the launch that together, they possess the strength, knowledge, and determination needed to create a world where no child is robbed of their innocence, their education, or their dreams.

“In our quest to eradicate child labour, collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. No single entity, whether it is governments, NGOs, businesses, workers or communities, can tackle this issue in isolation. We need to join hands, share expertise, and combine resources to create a formidable force against child labour,” he said.

The Minister said they are thankful to the European Union (EU) for approving the funding of this project, and to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its continued support in their endeavours to fight the scourge of child labour.

The Minister said that the project launched today will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

He urged all stakeholders to continue to collaborate, to innovate, and to advocate, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing environment – free from the shackles of child labour.

“Together, we can create a supportive environment where families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play by adopting ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that the products we consume are not tainted with the sweat and tears of innocent children,” he said.

The Minister concluded that the fight against child labour in the agricultural sector is a moral imperative that demands an unwavering commitment.

“We look forward to the replication of these pilot projects across the country as a whole, and the eventual elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector – and beyond.

“Let us stand united in our resolve to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced, the advocates for those who are vulnerable, and the champions for those who deserve a brighter future,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37

351 views

17 November 2023

Violence against women must be confronted head on

Location: News

Violence against women must be confronted head on

The scourge of violence against women and children in South Africa must be confronted head on equally by law enforcement, government and society.

This is according to Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, who released the crime statistics for the second quarter of 2023/2024 on Friday.

The report showed that contact sexual offences declined by 35.9%, with 10 516 rape cases reported and investigated by police in July to September 2023.

While the statistics showed that less women and children were killed in South Africa, between July to September 2023 (decreasing by 10.9% and 7.0% respectively), Cele said the crime figures show that far too many women and children in the country are not safe around people that they know and trust, and at times those that they love and in the places where they are supposed to be safe.

According to the figures, 4 726 rape incidents took place at either the home of the rape victim, or the home of the perpetrator which are known to the victim, such as a family member, a friend or a neighbour.

The report showed that between July and September 2023, 1 514 incidents of attempted murder, involving female victims were reported. Furthermore, females were victims in 14 401 assault grievous bodily harm (GBH) incidents reported to the police during the reporting period.

Children have not been spared from the brutal attacks and abuse, with 293 children killed between July to September 2023. In the same period, 361 incidents of attempted murder and 1 820 of assault GBH were perpetrated against children.

Cele said it was clear that the attacks and violence meted on women, children, the elderly and the most vulnerable in this country remained shameful.

“The Police Ministry has noted with extreme concern the recent brutal stabbing of a Western Cape University female student, in broad daylight. The SAPS continues to upscale its responses to this form of crimes through increased operations to trace GBV perpetrators, arrest serial offenders as well as serial rapists.

“Our docket analysis shows that the arrest of serial sexual offenders is reducing incidents of sexual offences. The SAPS continues to collaborate with social partners to eradicate the scourge of GBVF and educate communities on the matter,” Cele said.

He said the Ministry is motivated by the police continued successes in bringing to book Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrators.

Among the success include the recent identification and takedown of 27 sexual predators in the country, and the recent sentencing of Mario Giusti to 6 400 years in jail, after being found guilty of more than 1 000 charges of child pornography.

As part of some of the crime prevention programs carried out by the police service, Cele said, dialogues in various communities targeting men, who are largely GBV perpetrators, are taking place.

He said the Ministry was motivated by the continued availability of evidence collection kits or so called rape kits; as well as the improvement of support services at stations for survivors of sexual violence.

“The historic DNA backlog which was standing at over 240 000 two years ago has now been cleared. SAPS forensic laboratories across the country continue to work optimally and relevant contracts crucial for the functioning of labs are in place. The consumables essential for the processing of samples continue to be procured.

“These policy interventions are coupled with functioning of GBV desks at police stations countrywide. These desks are staffed with officers trained in GBVF-related courses as well as victim empowerment, domestic violence and sexual offences related programs,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

The major structural refurbishments include renovations and provision of medical equipment for both facilities.

“The upgrade of these facilities will enable the realisation of a shared value, where the RAF, the Clinic and beneficiaries will derive benefits. It is well established that the victim’s chances of survival are greatest if they receive care within a short period after a severe injury, this is popularly known as the Golden Hour rule,” the Minister said on Friday in Johannesburg.

The Accident and Emergency Centre is a 24-hour facility that caters mainly emergency medical care.

“Statistics show that admission of pedestrians are consistently higher than driver and passenger admissions in all four quarters, indicating that pedestrian accidents are more frequent or result in more severe injuries in the community.

“A total of 1 742 patients were attended and treated in the Masakhane Clinic Accident and Emergency Centre during the 2022 -2023 from April 2022 to March 2023.

“These statistics emphasize the importance of road safety measures and awareness campaigns, especially in the periods when accidents are more prevalent. Ensuring that drivers and pedestrians are well-informed about road safety can help reduce the number of accidents,” Chikunga said.

The RAF will assist survivors on their journey of recovery, assisting them to re- imagine and rebuild their lives in society

“The experience of being involved in an accident leaves many emotionally, physically and financially vulnerable. It is at this time that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) holds their hands along the journey of recovery. In addition, such a mandate of rehabilitation cannot be possible without the partnership of the RAF and the health center.

“Hence, the RAF took it upon themselves to include as part of their strategic goals to assist the renovations of units within health care clinics that deals with emergency and rehabilitation services,” Chikunga said.

She said the project was implemented in partnership with the South African Medical & Education Foundation, a local NGO that undertakes high impact community development projects.

The sole aim is improving healthcare and educational facilities in poverty-stricken communities.

“The RAF in partnership with the implementing NGO employed a community and local resource-based approach. As a result, RAF transferred skills and created about 35 temporary jobs as all workforce was sourced locally through organized community structures.

“Of these 35 people employed in this project, 15 are skilled, 20 unskilled and eight are women. More than 70% of supplies was sourced locally and empowered nine local SMME’s from across Greater Alexandra Local Municipality.

“The RAF was intentional in ensuring that the community of Alexandra was directly involved and participated fully by taking ownership of this development initiative,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:54

108 views

17 November 2023

Cai Evans reflects on dream year

Location: Sport

It’s been a very eventful year in the life of Cai Evans as his rugby dreams have come true. The young utility back was a bolter selection in Wales’ World Cup training squad and then went on to make a surprise start against South Africa in August, winning his first cap, figuring once more versus …

17 November 2023

Zas Reaches 50

Location: Sport

Wing Leolin Zas will play his 50th match for the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter with Munster on Saturday. The prolific finisher, who has scored 25 tries in his 49 games for the DHL Stormers since his debut in 2016, will reach the milestone at Thomond Park in Limerick in a …

17 November 2023

Stakeholders say transformative industrialisation is critical for Africa’s sustainable development

Location: News

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Download logo

Some stakeholders have reiterated the need for transformative industrialisation, saying it is critical for sustainable development on the continent.

They have been speaking at a special event, "Leveraging on strategic foresight for an agile, robust, and forward-looking sustainable industrial development in Africa", on Thursday at the African Economic Conference (AEC) in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.

Fiona Tregenna a Professor at the University of Johannesburg, and Chair of the Industrial Development National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, delivered a paper on Transformative Industrialisation for Africa (TIFA) and links with strategic foresight. She highlighted some of the challenges that have hindered industrialisation on the continent.

According to Tregenna, achieving the Africa we want is not business as usual, otherwise we will not get the transformative change to give us the Africa we want.

She added: "A strategic and systemic approach is critical for a sustainable Africa. We are not looking at interventions that will yield today, but long-term investments."

Mr Ibrahima Sall, former Minister of Planning in Senegal, said engagement with various relevant stakeholders was required for sustainable industrial development in Africa.

"We need a flexible, agile, high-impact industrialisation that is robust. Even in the professor's introduction, it is clear that there are some industrial processes, and we need to keep the strength going. We know how to implement industrial policies, no policy cannot be selective. Otherwise, we will be sprinkling without impacting or wasting capital. So, there must be a selective national champion. How do we build with major stakeholders? What matters most is to look at selectivity and information and inform the states to understand that policies are not made on the ground. The engagement of states is key, and they must pay attention to the industrial sector," Sall said.

He added that selective criteria are critical. The vertical policy of African nations entails focusing on processing raw materials. And we have horizontal and selective, which involve all actions: sustainability, infrastructure, human capital, and technology. With this, states do not need to be flexible but focus on sustainability.

Speaking on Malawi's strategy, Thomas Munthali, Director General at the country's National Planning Commission, said that knowing that the effects of climate change were gradually destroying the country, it embarked on climate-resilient infrastructure and appreciated the future of industrialisation.

Munthali urged countries on the continent to venture more into digitisation, engage the private sector to catalyse investments, experiment, and learn from successful nations. He said, "We should be learning from nations. We should try and fail, but never fail to try."

For her part, Hauwa Ibrahim of the Nasarawa State University in Nigeria, said Africa stood at the crossroads of opportunities and challenges.

Ibrahim added that, "While we know there are no perfect policies, those with rooted outcomes stand the test of time. There is a need for research and development on the continent to ensure a sustainable Africa. The demographic population is vital and should be considered because we have many young people and what they are learning now should matter to us. We need to recognise the role of technology and ensure it is applied at all levels. We cannot take out the role of education in defining technology because we do not want to industrialise and have to invest elsewhere, away from the continent, in certain labour forces. Therefore, while we invest in technology, we must also invest in the education of young people."

Earlier, Karima Ben Soltane, the Director of the United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), ECA, while moderating the session, said the theme was focused on what African countries needed to enact their policies, implement the SDGs, and make strategic investments, among others.

Location: Business

There are plenty of reasons a tenant may want to end a lease early, from a new job in a new area to affordability issues etc. What every consumer needs to double check before signing a lease agreement, is that their lease makes provision for an early cancellation as per the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). …